? ? Architect Gabriel Kozlowski has proposed a stunning, energy-producing structure for the Brazilian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Created in collaboration with Gringo Cardia, Bárbara Graeff and Tripper Arquitetura, the conceptual design showcases a variety of sustainable systems, from construction materials like rammed earth to passive solar design strategies. Although the competition entry was not ultimately chosen for the Expo, the design does offer an inspiring look at the integration of Brazilian identity into sustainably minded architecture. “Our pavilion is inspired by one of the greatest technological achievements of Brazil: the improvement of the Direct Planting System over straw,” Kozlowski explained in a project statement. “This agricultural technique protects the soil and maintains the ideal thermal conditions for cultivation. The pavilion conceptually mimics this scheme through its layered arrangement — soil, entanglement of protection, productivity — presenting itself as both a building and a symbolic image of one of our progresses.” In addition to its nature-inspired form, the pavilion proposal subtly references Brazil’s previous Expo pavilions including those of Paulo Mendes da Rocha at Osaka 1970 and from Sérgio Bernardes at Brussels 1958. The building would have been built primarily of laminated timber as well as rammed earth mixed with reinforced concrete. The ground floor would serve primarily as exhibition space and is designed to host the ‘Together for Nature’ exhibition organized around six walls, each symbolic of Brazil’s six main terrestrial biomes: the Amazon Forest, the Cerrado, the Atlantic Forest, the Caatinga, the Pampa and the Pantanal. Each wall would be made from the soil of each biome and surrounded by totems housing the seeds of native species. Related: RIBA crowns Children Village in Brazil as the world’s best new building A massive, nest-like structure made from woven tree branches would appear to float above the ground floor and is accessed via a spiral staircase. The upper level would house the ’Together for People’ exhibit with images showcasing Brazil’s ethnic diversity along with the ‘Together for Tomorrow’ exhibit that explores water-related, biotechnological advancements, such as desalination and aquaculture . The upper level would have also included an auditorium and gathering spaces as well as a landscaped rooftop with a lookout terrace and restaurant. The proposed pavilion would have been engineered to produce its own energy, recycle its own water and stay naturally cool without the need for air conditioning. + Gabriel Kozlowski Via ArchDaily Images via Gabriel Kozlowski

Comments Off on Foster + Partners DJI HQ will be a creative community in the sky

Foster + Partners have unveiled designs for the new headquarters of DJI, the makers of the world’s most popular commercial drones . Currently under construction in Shenzhen, the new building will comprise twin towers linked by a sky bridge that will be used to showcase the latest drone technology. The headquarters, conceived as a “creative community in the sky,” will not only include research and development spaces, but will also engage the public with exhibition spaces and even robot fighting rings. Envisioned as the “heart of innovation” for DJI, the new Shenzhen headquarters takes inspiration from drones with its glass-enclosed forms that evoke lightness. Large steel megatrusses anchor the twin towers and allow for large, column-free spaces throughout. Floating volumes are cantilevered on all sides of the building and comprise offices, R&D space, and other public functions. Related: Foster + Partners’ Bloomberg HQ opens in London as “world’s most sustainable office building” “Our aim is to create a unique workplace environment that embodies the spirit of invention and innovation that has allowed DJI to lead the world in robotics and technology,” said Grant Brooker, Head of Studio of Foster + Partners. The building is optimized to test and showcase the latest drone technology, from the unique quadruple-height drone flight testing labs to the ceilings and floors that slide open for the deployment of drones outdoors. The ground floor will house a public exhibition space and a new theater for product launches. + Foster + Partners

Comments Off on UNStudio unveils Danube bridge for sustainable transit in Budapest

UNStudio has swept the competition for the New Budapest Bridge, a much-needed bridge over the Danube in the south of the city. Coated in a reflective white paint, the landmark bridge will serve as a gateway between Ujbuda and Csepel, and help spur further development in the surrounding post-industrial area. The multi-use bridge “enables sustainable transportation” and will accommodate road, tram, pedestrian, and cycle crossings. Created in collaboration with Buro Happold Engineering , the New Budapest Bridge proposal was selected by the Municipal Government of Budapest in the first international bridge design competition in Hungary for over 120 years. Conceived as a welcoming symbol, the contemporary cable-stayed bridge features angled pylons that mimic the “inviting gesture of hands,” said Ben van Berkel. “It was essential that the bridge would be in harmony with Budapest – which owes much of its configuration to the surrounding landscape – and its future vision. It was also important that the bridge enable unobstructed views below and above the bridge deck.” Related: Unusual Dutch bridge embraces flooding in a thought-provoking way With a main span of 711 feet, the bridge stretches over 1,600 feet from shore to shore. The white paint finish will reflect the surrounding environment and give the bridge an ever-changing appearance. In addition to catalyzing nearby development, the project aims to make the area around the Budafoki interchange more human and urban friendly. + UNStudio Images by VA Render

Comments Off on New Shanghai pavilion looks like a cloud sandwiched between two horizontal planes

The new pavilion looks like a space created by extruding the outline of a cloud. Its curved glass envelope references the way clouds are depicted in traditional Chinese prints as a symbol of good fortune. The curved glass is sandwiched between the rectangular podium and roof and surrounded by slender steel columns that blur the appearance of the volume. Related: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Unveils Striking Pavilions at the Shanghai West Bund Biennial “At night the ceiling is illuminated against a reflective mirrored surface giving the illusion of an abstract floating cloud along the riverfront, and acts as a marker for citizens to meet and rest,” said Chris Hardie, design partner at Schmidt Hammer Lassen. + Schmidt Hammer Lassen Photos by Peter Dixie